Catalina Island (whose official, but rarely used, name is Santa Catalina Island) is near the southern end of the Channel Islands off the coast of Southern California. It's technically in Los Angeles County and is a popular day trip and vacation destination for locals and tourists.
Understand
Santa Catalina is 22 miles from the mainland, despite the lyrics of the Four Preps' song.
Twenty-six miles across the sea Santa Catalina is a-waitin' for me Santa Catalina, the Island of Romance -- "26 Miles", The Four Preps, 1958
Catalina is a world unto itself, a distant asylum from the hustle and bustle of the rest of Southern California. Most of the island is owned by the Catalina Conservancy which is chartered with protecting its environment.
Many visitors to the island come from cruises offered by Royal Caribbean.
The area codes for Catalina Island are 310 or the soon to be 424.
Cities
"City" is a relative term on Catalina - neither Avalon nor Two Harbors are particularly large, with Two Harbors having just a handful of houses and a single general store.
Avalon
Two Harbors
Getting there
By boat
Catalina-Marina del Rey Flyer, From Marina del Rey to Avalon and Two Harbors. Phone: (310) 305-7250, e-mail: info@catalinaferries.com, . Check website for schedule and rates.
Catalina Classic Cruises,From San Pedro to Avalon. Toll free: 800-641-1004, Phone: 495-3565, . Check website for schedule. Round trip fares - Adult: $41, Children (2-11): $26, Seniors (55+): $29, Infants (under 2): $3.
Catalina Express Ferry, from Long Beach, San Pedro or Dana Point to Avalon. There is also a boat from San Pedro to Two Harbors. Phone: 800-481-3470, . Fares vary by departure point. See website for prices and schedule.
Catalina Flyer, from Newport Beach to Avalon. Phone: 949-673-5245, . See website for scheduled departures. $61 round trip.
Private boat - Avalon and Two Harbors have mooring facilities and services. There are also many coves around the island that have moorings or anchorages. The Catalina website has details about anchorage and mooring points around the island.
By plane
Island Express Helicopter Service flies from San Pedro or Long Beach into Catalina's Airport in the Sky.
Airport in the Sky is open to private aircraft with a $20 landing fee and $5 per night tie down fee. No fuel is available for sale at the airport. Phone: 510-0143, Weather info line: 800-255-8700.
Traveling around
Walking - Most visitors to Catalina usually do their touring on foot.
Bicycle - There are several bicycle rental agencies on the island or you may bring your own bicycle over with you (usually for an extra fee).
Carts - Golf carts may also be rented on the island.
See
The Casino, built in 1929 by William Wrigley Jr., is a popular landmark and tourist attraction on the western tip of the Avalon beach. It was the tallest building in Los Angeles County at its completion. It features a ballroom, movie theater, and the Catalina Island Museum. There are no gambling facilities; the term casino refers instead to a more traditional Italian definition of casino, meaning social gathering place.
Things to do
Snorkeling & SCUBA diving from shore - Catalina is a haven for SCUBA divers in Los Angeles area. The main SCUBA diving site from Avalon is Casino Point, right next to the Casino building. Concrete steps have been created, so divers (and snorkelers) can step down a few steps and enter the water. Since Casino Point is north-pointing dive site, it is mostly protected from the heavy surf and waves most of the year. Casino Point is a protected area and NOTHING can be removed from the area. There is a air refill station as well as tank/weights rental right next to the entry point. Common sitings are garibaldi, bat rays, octopus, giant black sea bass, kelp bass, lobsters and horn sharks.
Additional snorkeling can be done at Lovers' Cove, south of the ferry terminal.
Many dive boats depart from various ports in LA area, such as Long Beach and San Pedro, for a day diving trip to various parts of Catalina Island that are otherwise inaccessible via car from Catalina Island. The typical cost is $110-150 and includes breakfast, lunch, and three dives with air fills. Some boats have nitrox at additional cost.
For those who don't want to snorkel or dive, there are two alternatives to viewing the underwater life - submarine ride and glass-bottom boat ride. Tickets can be purchased from Catalina Discovery Tours in Avalon. Other tours offered by Discovery Tours include Avalon Scenic Tour and Casino Tour.
One mile from Avalon (accessible by taxi or bus) is a golf course and a camp ground.
A unique attraction to Catalina Island is the Yellow Semi-Submarine known as "The Nautilus" introduced in 1999, its design is unique and allows visitors to see the underwater life day and night. This custom-built vessel also allows passengers to feed the fish with its torpedo mechanism.
Classic to Catalina Island are the Glass Bottom Boat and the interior trips that take you to see the Bison that make part of Catalina Island their home.
Sleep
Catalina Canyon Resort & Spa (Avalon Hotels | Catalina Island Hotels) , Phone: 310-510-0325, 888 Country Club Drive, Catalina Island lies 26 miles off the coast of Southern California, and can be accessed easily by air or water. The Catalina Canyon Resort & Spa in the City of Avalon, California is conveniently located close to City Center and all major transportation hubs. Our complimentary shuttle greets every boat and/or Helicopter at the arrival terminal. (Driving time from terminal to hotel is approximately 3 minutes) , The Catalina Canyon Resort & Spa in the Catalina Island Town of Avalon, California has made a name for itself as the full-service Resort Hotel destination of choice for travelers seeking comfort, ambience and value on beautiful Catalina Island. Located just off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island and the town of Avalon are a convenient escape from the bustle of life on the mainland.
Catalina Island Vacation Rentals, P.O. Box 426, 119 Sumner Ave, Suite B, Avalon, CA 90704 (800) 631-5280 (310) 510-2276 . The greatest selection of vacation home rentals on Catalina Island with just under 200 privately owned properties, ranging from beautiful, ocean front villas at Hamilton Cove to quaint cottages, houses and condos in the village of Avalon.
The Avalon Hotel, (310) 510-7070, 124 Whittley Avenue, Relax in an environment of understated elegance at The Avalon Hotel, Catalina Island’s premier boutique hotel. Most of our rooms have breath-taking views of Avalon harbor and its scenic surroundings. We offer a range of room sizes all with deluxe king or queen beds and an array of amenities. Specials & packages available.
Aurora Hotel & Spa, (800) 422-6836, 137 Marilla Avenue, Avalon, CA , Welcome to a new era in Catalina Island hospitality at the Aurora Hotel & Spa. Inspired by the sea, Aurora immerses you in relaxation, inviting you to discover the magic of sensuous waves and the comfort of modern style. Our luxury hotel combines bed and breakfast hospitality with a metropolitan boutique hotel ambiance. Come rediscover the magic of Santa Catalina.
Contact & location
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Some photos courtesy of:
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Bex, Ryan Holliday, rgreco@travelclick.net, San Francisco Girl, Simon Lee, Ann, Angela, Stacy Hall, David, Eric Polk, Evan Prodromou, Colin Jensen, Stavro Prodromou, Richard Petersen and Tom W, Cacahuate, Inas, Morph, MMKK, Jonboy, Luvdapug, Nzpcmad, Huttite and Akubra
This travel guide also includes text from Wikipedia articles, all available at View full credits
Catalina Island (whose official, but rarely used, name is Santa Catalina Island) is near the southern end of the Channel Islands off the coast of Southern California. It's technically in Los Angeles County and is a popular day trip and vacation destination for locals and tourists.
Understand
Santa Catalina is 22 miles from the mainland, despite the lyrics of the Four Preps' song.
Twenty-six miles across the sea
Santa Catalina is a-waitin' for me
Santa Catalina, the Island of Romance -- "26 Miles", The Four Preps, 1958
Catalina is a world unto itself, a distant asylum from the hustle and bustle of the rest of Southern California. Most of the island is owned by the Catalina Conservancy which is chartered with protecting its environment.
Many visitors to the island come from cruises offered by Royal Caribbean.
The area codes for Catalina Island are 310 or the soon to be 424.
Cities
"City" is a relative term on Catalina - neither Avalon nor Two Harbors are particularly large, with Two Harbors having just a handful of houses and a single general store.
Avalon
Two Harbors
Getting there
By boat
Catalina-Marina del Rey Flyer, From Marina del Rey to Avalon and Two Harbors. Phone: (310) 305-7250, e-mail: info@catalinaferries.com, . Check website for schedule and rates.
Catalina Classic Cruises,From San Pedro to Avalon. Toll free: 800-641-1004, Phone: 495-3565, . Check website for schedule. Round trip fares - Adult: $41, Children (2-11): $26, Seniors (55+): $29, Infants (under 2): $3.
Catalina Express Ferry, from Long Beach, San Pedro or Dana Point to Avalon. There is also a boat from San Pedro to Two Harbors. Phone: 800-481-3470, . Fares vary by departure point. See website for prices and schedule.
Catalina Flyer, from Newport Beach to Avalon. Phone: 949-673-5245, . See website for scheduled departures. $61 round trip.
Private boat - Avalon and Two Harbors have mooring facilities and services. There are also many coves around the island that have moorings or anchorages. The Catalina website has details about anchorage and mooring points around the island.
By plane
Island Express Helicopter Service flies from San Pedro or Long Beach into Catalina's Airport in the Sky.
Airport in the Sky is open to private aircraft with a $20 landing fee and $5 per night tie down fee. No fuel is available for sale at the airport. Phone: 510-0143, Weather info line: 800-255-8700.
Traveling around
Walking - Most visitors to Catalina usually do their touring on foot.
Bicycle - There are several bicycle rental agencies on the island or you may bring your own bicycle over with you (usually for an extra fee).
Carts - Golf carts may also be rented on the island.
See
The Casino, built in 1929 by William Wrigley Jr., is a popular landmark and tourist attraction on the western tip of the Avalon beach. It was the tallest building in Los Angeles County at its completion. It features a ballroom, movie theater, and the Catalina Island Museum. There are no gambling facilities; the term casino refers instead to a more traditional Italian definition of casino, meaning social gathering place.
Things to do
Snorkeling & SCUBA diving from shore - Catalina is a haven for SCUBA divers in Los Angeles area. The main SCUBA diving site from Avalon is Casino Point, right next to the Casino building. Concrete steps have been created, so divers (and snorkelers) can step down a few steps and enter the water. Since Casino Point is north-pointing dive site, it is mostly protected from the heavy surf and waves most of the year. Casino Point is a protected area and NOTHING can be removed from the area. There is a air refill station as well as tank/weights rental right next to the entry point. Common sitings are garibaldi, bat rays, octopus, giant black sea bass, kelp bass, lobsters and horn sharks.
Additional snorkeling can be done at Lovers' Cove, south of the ferry terminal.
Many dive boats depart from various ports in LA area, such as Long Beach and San Pedro, for a day diving trip to various parts of Catalina Island that are otherwise inaccessible via car from Catalina Island. The typical cost is $110-150 and includes breakfast, lunch, and three dives with air fills. Some boats have nitrox at additional cost.
For those who don't want to snorkel or dive, there are two alternatives to viewing the underwater life - submarine ride and glass-bottom boat ride. Tickets can be purchased from Catalina Discovery Tours in Avalon. Other tours offered by Discovery Tours include Avalon Scenic Tour and Casino Tour.
One mile from Avalon (accessible by taxi or bus) is a golf course and a camp ground.
A unique attraction to Catalina Island is the Yellow Semi-Submarine known as "The Nautilus" introduced in 1999, its design is unique and allows visitors to see the underwater life day and night. This custom-built vessel also allows passengers to feed the fish with its torpedo mechanism.
Classic to Catalina Island are the Glass Bottom Boat and the interior trips that take you to see the Bison that make part of Catalina Island their home.
Sleep
Catalina Canyon Resort & Spa (Avalon Hotels | Catalina Island Hotels) , Phone: 310-510-0325, 888 Country Club Drive, Catalina Island lies 26 miles off the coast of Southern California, and can be accessed easily by air or water. The Catalina Canyon Resort & Spa in the City of Avalon, California is conveniently located close to City Center and all major transportation hubs. Our complimentary shuttle greets every boat and/or Helicopter at the arrival terminal. (Driving time from terminal to hotel is approximately 3 minutes) , The Catalina Canyon Resort & Spa in the Catalina Island Town of Avalon, California has made a name for itself as the full-service Resort Hotel destination of choice for travelers seeking comfort, ambience and value on beautiful Catalina Island. Located just off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island and the town of Avalon are a convenient escape from the bustle of life on the mainland.
Catalina Island Vacation Rentals, P.O. Box 426, 119 Sumner Ave, Suite B, Avalon, CA 90704 (800) 631-5280 (310) 510-2276 . The greatest selection of vacation home rentals on Catalina Island with just under 200 privately owned properties, ranging from beautiful, ocean front villas at Hamilton Cove to quaint cottages, houses and condos in the village of Avalon.
The Avalon Hotel , (310) 510-7070, 124 Whittley Avenue, Relax in an environment of understated elegance at The Avalon Hotel, Catalina Island’s premier boutique hotel. Most of our rooms have breath-taking views of Avalon harbor and its scenic surroundings. We offer a range of room sizes all with deluxe king or queen beds and an array of amenities. Specials & packages available.
Aurora Hotel & Spa , (800) 422-6836, 137 Marilla Avenue, Avalon, CA , Welcome to a new era in Catalina Island hospitality at the Aurora Hotel & Spa. Inspired by the sea, Aurora immerses you in relaxation, inviting you to discover the magic of sensuous waves and the comfort of modern style. Our luxury hotel combines bed and breakfast hospitality with a metropolitan boutique hotel ambiance. Come rediscover the magic of Santa Catalina.
Contact & location
Be the first one to add a review
The photos displayed on this page are the property of one of the following authors:
brewbooks, tinyfroglet, Kjunstorm, Michael Gray, Aaron Logan, Thuy Pham
Some photos courtesy of:
. The photos provided by Flickr are under the copyright of their owners.
This travel guide also includes text from Wikitravel articles, all available at
View full credits
Bex, Ryan Holliday, rgreco@travelclick.net, San Francisco Girl, Simon Lee, Ann, Angela, Stacy Hall, David, Eric Polk, Evan Prodromou, Colin Jensen, Stavro Prodromou, Richard Petersen and Tom W, Cacahuate, Inas, Morph, MMKK, Jonboy, Luvdapug, Nzpcmad, Huttite and Akubra
This travel guide also includes text from Wikipedia articles, all available at
View full credits